…..Partners Ogata Global Resources, Chart Eco Global Services.
As part of its future thinking initiative aimed at zero emission, green energy, and cutting costs, the University of Lagos, UNILAG, on Monday, December 16, 2024, commissioned a set of 10 Electric Vehicles also known as UNILAG eRide for use within the campus.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, explained that “UNILAG has, over the years, committed to a Green Campus as evident in the policy against private usage of generating sets on campus and deliberate investment in a centralized alternative power generation system”.
Speaking shortly before unveiling the 10 electric vehicles, Professor Ogunsola recalled the 1,000 trees planted across the University in 2023, a feat, which she said, resulted in a relative decline in carbon monoxide.
She appreciated the owners of Ogata Global Resources, Messrs. Henry Eke, and Chart Eco Global Services, Itunuoluwa Okusami, who are manufacturers of the electric vehicles for their commitment to national development and growth of UNILAG, their Alma-mater.
In their separate remarks, Messrs. Henry Eke (Chairman, Ogata Global Resources) and Itunuoluwa Okusami (CEO, Chart Eco Global Services) said the successful launch of the electric vehicles marks a significant milestone in their efforts aimed at decarbonizing the transportation sector.
The duo said they chose UNILAG because of the supporting infrastructure such as the existing charging station powered by the National Automotive Design and Development Council, NADDC, and the opportunity to leverage the UNILAG Work-Study programme which will give room for students to work as drivers.
Messrs. Eke and Okusami said the 10 electric vehicles will become operational immediately and charge just fifty percent of the current campus cab which is one hundred naira, while an additional 10 units which are currently being assembled in China, will be added to the fleet in no distant time.
In a related development, members of the UNILAG management team, senior officers of the University, and journalists led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, unveiled the newly refurbished UNILAG Logo at the University’s Main Gate.
Speaking during the unveiling, Prof. Ogunsola, noted that it became imperative given the need to convey a message to all stakeholders about the UNILAG brand.